Existing Double Glazing – Should I Replace?

Any double glazing salesman will naturally want you to buy replacement windows but when do you really need to replace?

As more and more of us already have double glazing and as there have been significant improvements, innovation and development in materials, construction and glazed units a huge chunk of the market is now for replacement windows.

Wooden Or Metal Frames:

These days the modern uPVC windows have a long life span but that wasn’t always the case. If your windows are wooden then check for rot or wear and if the frame needs replacing or is likely to need replacing in the next few years then you should consider replacing. The modern frames will provide greater efficiency and will therefore save you money and are built to last. The old metal frames may still be solid but may t=leave something to be desired aesthetically which could affect the value and saleability of your property.

uPVC Looks:

If you already have uPVC windows then you can rest assured that they have a much longer life than wooden windows. That said, they don’t last forever but you should get 20 years plus with most manufacturers providing guarantees of 10 or 15 years.
Styles and fashions change though and so do frame designs and effects – for example the popular wood grain effect uPVC windows were unheard of a few years ago.

Damage:

Older uPVC frames do have a reputation for discolouration, often turning a pinkish of yellowish shade. Whilst this does not affect the performance there’s no solution to the aesthetics that we know about other than full replacement. Scratching to frames will also attract dirt and hence discolouration. In most cases scratching is not a major issue though. Damage to window furniture can usually be repaired with replacement parts being readily available online.

Breakage:

Glass gets broken but that’s not a reason to replace your whole window. A replacement sealed glazed unit is all you need and this can easily be fitted into your existing frame. If your window does get broken then it’s always worth checking your house insurance as you may well be covered.

Condensation:

Foggy or misty windows that has occurred between the panes of glass and hence inside the window unit itself is a sure sign that the seal has gone, allowing condensation to form. The good news is that this does not mean you should replace your windows in their entirety. Unless you particularly want to replace the frames as well the worst case would be a replacement of the double glazed sealed glass unit fitted into the existing frame. If your windows are still under warrantee you should contact the company you bought them from or, if not, contact one of the many companies on the market today who specialise in removing the condensation and repairing the seal.

Security:

Security has really improved over recent years. Most windows are, or can be, fitted with good quality window locks or bolts and many suppliers work to “secured by design” standards of security. We’re not just talking about locks and bolts though. If your windows are old they may have been externally glazed. This means that the design meant that the glazed units were fitted from the outside … meaning they can be easily removed from the outside! This is often a very good reason to decide to replace rather than repair.